Luna and the Night

“[An] inventive, delightful picture book about embracing what you fear and finding wonder within it.“

– Foreword Reviews, Starred Review 

Luna is afraid of the inky night that creeps under her door and around her bed – until Mama suggests it might make Luna feel better if she says her fears out loud. The last thing Luna expects is for the Night to reply…

“Lyrical prose and beautiful, textured illustrations will capture the hearts of readers. Crafted with care, […] this book will help young readers understand their fears.”

– School Library Journal

In Luna and the Night by Maylis Daufresne and illustrated by Ian de Haes, Night is a gentle character who encourages Luna to express herself, explore and play. This beautiful and immersive picture book will encourage children to face their fears with kindness and curiosity.

We chat to the author Maylis to find out a bit more about how she came to write this book.

What inspired you to write this story?

I wrote this book because I love the night and I love the idea that even in the darkest night, you can still find light. It felt like an interesting way of tackling a fear of the night through a children’s book.

I really enjoy writing stories in which very different protagonists meet and are led to reflect on otherness. There is so much enrichment to be found in encounters.

What’s your favourite moment or character in the book and why?

I particularly like the moment in the story when Luna realises that the night is not all black. At this point in the story Night advises her to always look for the light, because it’s always there.

What are some interesting messages or conversational points your book inspires?

I think this is a helpful book for starting conversations about children’s fears in general and fear of the night in particular. It’s really interesting to see night portrayed as a friendly character. Hopefully it will help children feel empowered to rethink things they might feel afraid of in everyday life. And not just a fear of the dark! It could be anything from spiders to a fear of talking in front of their class.

About the author

Maylis Daufresne is a French children’s author. From working in a library car in Mali to opening a bookshop in Toulouse, France, Maylis’ career has always involved books. She is now a full-time writer with several published picture books, including Les Chemins de Traverse (The Roads Less Travelled) which was selected for the prestigious 2025 Prix des Incorruptibles. Maylis lives in Brussels, Belgium.

Keen to find out more about Luna and the Night?

Step behind the artwork with illustrator Ian de Haes on our YouTube video below!